Authentic Boston Baked Beans
Experience the rich history and flavor of classic Boston Baked Beans with this cherished recipe from the iconic Durgin-Park Restaurant, a staple of Boston cuisine since the American Revolution. Known for their deliciously sweet, smoky, and savory profile, these beans are the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delightful standalone dish. The recipe requires an overnight soak for the beans, creating a deep, flavorful base that is enhanced by the unique combination of salt pork, molasses, and spices. Serve at family gatherings or special occasions to delight friends and loved ones with a taste of true New England tradition.
N/A
Servings
243
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried navy beans
1 lb (soaked overnight)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with boiling water)
salt pork
1/2 lb (diced into 1-inch squares)
onion
1/2 medium (peeled and uncut)
sugar
4 tablespoons (mixed with other ingredients)
molasses
1/3 cup (mixed with other ingredients)
dry mustard
1 teaspoon (mixed with other ingredients)
salt
1 teaspoon (mixed with other ingredients)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (mixed with other ingredients)
Instructions
1
Soak the dried navy beans overnight in plenty of water.
2
In the morning, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
3
In a large Dutch oven, add the baking soda and fill halfway with water. Bring the water to a boil.
4
Add the soaked beans to the boiling water and let them boil for 10 minutes.
5
Drain the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water. Set aside.
6
Dice the salt pork into 1-inch squares. Place half of the salt pork at the bottom of your bean pot or casserole dish. Add the uncut onion on top.
7
Layer the rinsed beans over the salt pork and onion.
8
Top the beans with the remaining diced salt pork.
9
In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir in 3 cups of hot water until well combined.
10
Pour the mixture over the beans in the pot, ensuring they are well covered.
11
Cover the pot with its lid and place it in the preheated oven.
12
Bake for 6 hours, checking the beans periodically. If the liquid level gets low, slowly add water as needed to keep the beans moist without flooding them.
13
Once done, remove the pot from the oven, and serve the delicious Boston Baked Beans warm.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
30g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic Boston Baked Beans?
Authentic Boston Baked Beans are a classic New England dish characterized by a sweet, smoky, and savory flavor profile achieved through a slow-baking process.
What is the origin of this specific recipe?
This recipe is a cherished version from the iconic Durgin-Park Restaurant, which has been a staple of Boston cuisine since the American Revolution.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried navy beans.
How long should I soak the beans?
The dried navy beans should be soaked overnight in plenty of water before you begin cooking.
What is the purpose of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda is added to the boiling water to help soften the beans during the initial 10-minute boiling stage.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) for the baking process.
What type of meat is used for flavoring?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of salt pork to provide a rich, savory, and smoky flavor.
How should the salt pork be prepared?
The salt pork should be diced into 1-inch squares.
How do I prepare the onion?
Use 1/2 of a medium onion, peeled but left uncut.
What is the layering order in the pot?
Place half the diced salt pork and the uncut onion at the bottom, add the rinsed beans, and then top with the remaining salt pork.
What sweeteners are used in the sauce?
The sauce is made with 4 tablespoons of sugar and 1/3 cup of molasses.
What spices are needed for the bean sauce?
You will need 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much water is added to the sauce mixture?
The sugar, molasses, and spices should be mixed with 3 cups of hot water before being poured over the beans.
How long do the beans need to bake?
The beans must bake in the oven for a total of 6 hours.
Do I need to cover the pot while baking?
Yes, the pot should be covered with its lid during the baking process.
How do I prevent the beans from drying out?
Check the beans periodically and slowly add water as needed to keep them moist without flooding them.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 243 calories.
What is the protein content of these beans?
One serving of these Boston Baked Beans provides 14g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the beans be rinsed after boiling?
Yes, after boiling for 10 minutes with baking soda, drain the beans in a colander and rinse them under cold water.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A large Dutch oven, bean pot, or casserole dish with a lid is ideal for this recipe.
Is the onion chopped before adding?
No, the onion is added uncut to the bottom of the pot to infuse flavor during the long cooking time.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
No, this is a slow-cooked traditional recipe that requires an overnight soak and 6 hours of baking.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder.
How should the final dish be served?
Boston Baked Beans should be served warm, either as a side dish or a main course.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: navy beans, baking soda, salt pork, onion, sugar, molasses, dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
Is this a traditional New England recipe?
Yes, it is a classic New England dish and a staple of historical Boston cuisine.
What makes these beans smoky?
The combination of salt pork and molasses during the long 6-hour bake creates the signature smoky flavor.